Procurement reform step in right direction

8/17/2017, midnight

State Senator Pat McGuire (D-Joliet) and State Representative David S. Olsen (R-Downers Grove) issued a joint statement regarding Gov. Rauner's signing Senate Bill 8, the omnibus procurement legislation, into law. This legislation will streamline and reform regulations that govern how Illinois buys billions of dollars in goods and services each year, and is now known as Public Act 100-0043.

"Our public university presidents have repeatedly told me that poorly thought-out procurement rules on buying goods and services have hampered students and faculty," McGuire said. "For example, acquiring federally funded research equipment can take twice as long in Illinois as in other states. Senate Bill 8 fixes that while retaining anti-corruption safeguards. Like the bipartisan, balanced budget, this is a move toward returning Illinois higher education to full strength."

“These reforms to the state’s purchasing system will ease burdensome regulations and save our public institutions money, especially our universities,” said Olsen. “This legislation will allow for a more competitive process and ultimately lower costs when state agencies, universities and institutions purchase goods and services. The bill was negotiated through a bipartisan effort and stands as a prime example of the positive results that can be achieved when we all work together.”

As approved in the House and Senate, SB 8 streamlines the procurement system to allow for more competitive pricing while still maintaining stringent oversight and transparency in the process. The final version of the bill received unanimous support in the House and Senate.